Dominican Minister for Women highlighted the work being done by the Cuban Women's Federation (FMC) and the importance of education to tackle gender inequality.

The President of the Regional Conference for Women, Alejandrina German, said Wednesday that Cuba has always been a leader in pro-women policies and praised the country as one of the top nations in ensuring gender equality and women empowerment.

Her remarks came during the closing of the Beijing+20 Special Session at the Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLA) headquarters in Santiago, Chile.

German, who is also the Dominican Minister for Women, highlighted the work being done by the Cuban Women's Federation (FMC) and the importance of education to tackle gender inequality.

On the other hand, the Secretary General of the FMC, Teresa Amarelle, talked about the economic independence of Cuban women and the influence in decision-making it has on Cuban society.

She also explained why Cuba has been an example of gender equality for decades.

“Cuba was the first country to sign and the second to ratify the ‘Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women’, and already had a comprehensive legal framework to protect the rights of women and girls,” said Amarelle.

Earlier this year, Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro and member of the Cuban Popular National Assembly, called on international community to strengthen legal frameworks to guarantee gender equality.

“Gender equality and the women’s right to life and to free and quality services are keys for development,” said Castro at the United Nations General Assembly.